Max Beerbohm (1872-1956) after(?) Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898). English School 19th.Century. Pen and Ink Drawing. Caricature of Queen Victoria (1819-1901). as a Degas Ballet Dancer Circa 1893. "Signed" in Beerbohm's hand: Degas. 12 by 16.5 cms.
A conundrum of a drawing, both Beardsley and Beerbohm, who were close friends may each have been the original designer of this Caricature of Queen Victoria as a ballet dancer, lampooning both the Queen and the work of Edgar Degas. Beardsley's drawing, "a design for a sovereign" in the V&A (E.39-1948) may be the original idea or this example by Beerbohm the inspiration for it? According to notes on the V&A file the drawing appears to have been intended for reproduction in the Pall Mall Budget, 9 February 1893, but thought too scandalous, a caricature of the manner of Burne-Jones was substituted.